The Arzignano-based (Vicenza) company, founded in 1975 and specialized in the production of chemical auxiliary items for tanning, is increasingly in the limelight towards sustainability and efficiency
Bernardini srl has been specialized in the production of chemical auxiliary products for the tanning process since 1975. Thanks to the skills acquired and the qualifications achieved over time, Ivano Bernardini, together with his sons Dimitri and Patrick, carry on the family legacy to date, leading the company and its analysis laboratories and production facilities with passion and dedication. After having contributed to its growth, in the nineties Ivano took up the baton from the founding father, and with an innovative vision he relaunched the company on new cutting-edge basis and great attention to social impact even when sustainability was not as important as it is today. Tannery international takes an in-depth look at the chemical company in view of the significant milestone of its fiftieth anniversary, which will be celebrated next year, taking inspiration from the half century of successes, challenges and innovations that have marked the history of the company, located in the industrial area of Arzignano with a modern 5,000 square meter factory. Bernardini srl has long been oriented towards high standards of quality and environmental respect. The passion for the elimination of harmful substances and attention to sustainability have always guided the company, in line with the slogan “Ecological Leather Chemical”, even before these values became crucial themes. With this in mind, the company developed alternative products ahead of time, allowing it to be ready when recent legislative changes further regulated the use of chemical substances. Over the years, the firm has followed a regular path towards certifications, which not only concern the environment but also plant engineering, the quality of work for employees and much more, changing the structure and processes. In 2005 the ISO 9001 certification was obtained and in 2008 the 14001 as well.
The latest milestone was achieved last year, in December 2023: the third level of compliance of ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals), the international program which aims to reduce and progressively eliminate dangerous chemical substances from production processes in the textile, tanning and footwear sectors. To date, there are over 200 products registered on the ZDHC Chemical Gateway platform, compliant with the Roadmap to Zero program.
The company’s great experience and attention to innovative and sustainable production processes have made it possible to develop specific chemical products based on customer needs, and over the years important investments have been undertaken to optimize production and to keep up, or even anticipate, the technological trends of the market and to be able to satisfy requests. By meeting the requirements of the ZDHC program, the company is able to ensure high standards of sustainability and safety, promoting transparency and responsible management of chemicals at every stage of the production chain. But Bernardini did not only certify a line of products, as it has implemented a certification of the raw materials: the certification of the matrix is an onerous process with long deadlines but which ultimately allows customers to have a guarantee that few companies on the market are able to offer. This is a long- term investment, the value of which will fully stand out over time, when companies realize the advantage that these products can offer. Direct sales to tanneries are marginal for the company, the core business focuses on retailers and formulators, who can place their brand on products already provided with certification. A significant competitive advantage.
